A tragic case has unfolded in Michigan where a mother allegedly killed her 14-year-old daughter with autism, purportedly prioritizing her relationship with a boyfriend over her parental responsibilities, according to testimony from authorities.

Vangie Renee Averhart, aged 37, is facing allegations of murder following the July death of her daughter, Kylee Clark. The case records indicate that Averhart recently appeared in court to assess whether the prosecution has sufficient grounds to pursue murder and child abuse charges against her.

As reported by The Detroit News, Averhart’s boyfriend testified that he left the mother and daughter alone briefly on July 7 at their Detroit residence. He was alerted by Averhart’s cries for assistance, finding Kylee in distress and making unusual noises. He then removed a piece of food from her mouth and attempted CPR. Despite efforts, Kylee succumbed to her condition at the hospital.

Dr. Marcus DeGraw, an expert in child abuse pediatrics, provided testimony indicating that Kylee experienced severe head trauma leading to a critical brain hemorrhage.

“Kylee endured a grave intracranial injury resulting in her death,” Dr. DeGraw reportedly stated. “The extensive, direct blunt force trauma to her head, likely from multiple impacts, required considerable force to inflict such damage.”

Prosecutors say Averhart no longer wanted to care for Kylee, who, in addition to autism, was also diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, a genetic disorder that impedes development. Averhart allegedly wanted to ditch Kylee so she could be with her boyfriend.

“Ms. Averhart is only trying to protect herself. She wasn’t interested in protecting Kylee,” Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Tina Ripley said, according to The Detroit News. “She didn’t even want to be with Kylee anymore. She wanted to be with [her boyfriend]. She made that very clear.”

Averhart’s attorney is pointing the finger at her boyfriend. The defendant said her boyfriend slapped Kylee with an open hand because the girl had spilled milk.

“I think we have the wrong person sitting in the chair next to me,” defense attorney Dennis Whittie said.

But prosecutors say the boyfriend denied hitting Kylee and his story has been consistent throughout.

A judge said there was enough evidence for Averhart to face trial.

As Law&Crime previously reported, Averhart gave multiple accounts of how her daughter sustained her injuries, none of which made much sense.

First, she claimed the girl choked on a sandwich, then on a banana. She also pointed the finger at her boyfriend, but he passed a lie detector test and was not around at the time of the incident, the Metro Detroit News reported.

Prosecutors reportedly said Kylee, who was nonverbal, lived in a locked room. Her mother allegedly told others that she “didn’t want this child anymore.” Child Protective Services had previously investigated Averhart on several occasions over concerns for Kylee’s safety, per MDN.

Kylee’s family members told local NBC affiliate WDIV that she suffered the injuries at her home on July 7 and died five days later at a hospital.

“Kylee’s mother lied right from the get-go about pretty much everything. She’s just rotten,” her paternal great-uncle Jeffrey Clark told the outlet. “I mean, it’s her own flesh and blood.”

Clark said Kylee’s father had been trying to obtain custody of the girl in the months leading up to the alleged murder.

“And supposedly she said ‘you can have her, I don’t want her,’” Clark recalled. “[It’s] hard to fathom. I don’t know if it’s some vindictive thing on her part or if she’s just pure evil.”

Averhart remains in the Wayne County Jail without bond. Her next court date is scheduled for Nov. 26.

Kylee’s obituary said she “left an everlasting mark on the hearts of those who knew her.”

“Kylee had a vibrant soul and a beautiful way of experiencing the world. She loved music — it filled her days with joy and comfort — and she was always happiest when she had her favorite snacks nearby,” the obituary said. “She saw beauty in every color and brought brightness into every room with her spirit. With a love for textures, sensations, and using her hands, Kylee found joy in the little things many might overlook. Whether it was a soft blanket, a crunchy snack, or a rhythmic song, she embraced the world in her own unique way.”